I had some very exciting news last month which I am late sharing. Last month I had graduated from the ECP (extra corporeal photopheresis) treatments which I have been doing! Because of the bone marrow transplant I had, I have had some complications with my body adapting to the new marrow and the new immune system. The ECP was a treatment done to the blood to help balance the good blood cells in me, and decrease the ones which have been attacking me. When I first came into the MTC my breathing was about 37-39% of what is normal. The number of attacking cells having greatly decreased it. This is not to mention the other difficulties I have had with my joints and other things. Because of the treatments my breathing has increased back up to the 70’s =D, although, I am still waiting for my hair to come back. I do think most of us would choose being able to breathe over having hair. The graduation was a tender mercy from the Lord and a blessing which I was not expecting. I am very excited to be moving on and progressing, but it is this next month actually which is the real test of how I have done.I was receiving the treatments on a monthly basis, and this next Monday I will have my next appointment with the doctor. This visit, unlike the others, I will only be seeing the doctor, and I will not be having the ECP treatments. The test is to see if my body will still continue to improve, or we are hoping at least still stay function the same in regards to my body systems. This next month I will not have the extra support which can be given from the ECP treatments and my body will be expected to reach a new height of independence. While it is exciting to move forward, moving too quickly can overload my body, and put me back to where I was, or below that. The danger with taking a step back is how difficult it is to regain the ground I have already climbed. The body becomes more stubborn the second time. I do however, have faith, and I am confident in moving forward. I trust the Lord will give me the support I need to continue to bring me closer to Him and to continue to give me guidance. Not only does He guide me in making choices with my health, but this shows us a pattern of progression in our lives.
